(800) 308-3483 Local: (805) 484-2863
2310 Ponderosa Drive Suite 3 - Camarillo, CA 93010
Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1545289
Tailor Made Peru & Colombia: Andean Marvels & Coastal Charms
Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Immerse yourself in the Andean community shared by two South American countries on one seamlessly orchestrated journey. Begin in Peru, meeting residents of the remote Sacred Valley, walking the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu and taking in the colonial charms of colorful Cusco. Then, experience today’s Colombia, learning about the nation’s successful journey to peace as you range from lively Bogotá to magical Cartagena, sampling the fruit of the renowned coffee region along the way.
14 nights from $19,070 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Peru & Colombia: Andean Marvels & Coastal Charms
Day 1 Lima, Peru
Your journey begins in Lima, founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 5, 1535, a blend of colonial splendor with an air of teeming vitality. Settle into the Barranco neighborhood, which teems with cute cafes and art galleries. The city has undergone a gastronomic revolution in recent years, giving you the freedom to choose between Peruvian classics or innovative fusion dishes — and don't forget to sample the local cocktail, a pisco sour.
Enjoy a leisurely morning. This afternoon, set out to discover Peru’s capital alongside your private guide, visiting the Plaza Mayor and Cathedral of Lima. Pass the presidential Palace en route to Santo Domingo Convent, and then explore the Larco Museum and its treasure trove of pre-Columbian artifacts. Set in a majestic, 18th-century mansion surrounded by gardens, the museum houses over 45,000 pieces of ceramics as well as mummies, a gold room and textiles made of feathers. It is also one of the few museums in the world where visitors can explore the storage areas to view its entire collection.
Fly to Cusco, perched over 11,000 feet above sea level. Once the capital of the Incas, Cusco acts as a welcoming gateway to the treasures of the Sacred Valley, along with a distinctive blend of pre-Columbian and modern influences. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch of local dishes at a restaurant before proceeding to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where an ancient way of life lives on. En route, stop at the Sulca textile museum, where South American camelids (members of the camel family) including llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas are all bred. Weaving these fibers has been a mainstay of local communities since the days of the Incas, and learning about this craft provides a unique insight into how these traditions have survived through the generations. Continue to your accommodations, located at a tranquil spot along the Urubamba River, where you relax and acclimatize to the altitude.
Begin your exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to a remote village seemingly frozen in time. Discover the ancient agricultural methods used for centuries in this challenging, mountainous environment. Proceed to Moray, a unique Incan site consisting of three terraced, circular excavations resembling earth-hewn amphitheaters. Then, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the Kuychi Center, a school where underprivileged children of the Sacred Valley receive education, nutrition, medical care and hope as part of a project supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy called Niños del Arco Iris (Children of the Rainbow). Afterward, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, a formidable stone structure of massive terraces that hug the mountain slopes. Then, journey deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu by a train equipped with panoramic windows in every car, providing postcard-worthy views in every direction along the way. On arriving at Machu Picchu, pause for lunch within sight of the citadel before your first opportunity to explore this breathtaking Incan city.
Overlooking the Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of trees atop the mountain, Machu Picchu forever holds the secret of its passing — its Incan inhabitants left no written records of its purpose. After roaming the magnificent ruins with your private expert guide, there is time to explore on your own. Tonight, stay at the only accommodations available on site to enjoy more time roaming the citadel in the late afternoon and early the following morning when fewer visitors are present. In addition to its unrivaled location, Sanctuary Lodge offers a peaceful, Incan-influenced ambience along with cuisine made from fresh local ingredients.
Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive. After your explorations, gather for lunch at a local restaurant. Journey back to Ollantaytambo aboard the Vistadome train, savoring incomparable views of the mountain scenery. Settle into your hotel, a former monastery with a tranquil central courtyard and amazing scenic views.
Today, explore the city of Cusco, visiting the cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious structure. Known as one the most beautiful churches in the Americas, its construction was influenced by the great Spanish cathedrals of the era, reflecting Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Fly to Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, set more than 8,500 feet above sea level. Founded by conquistadors in the 16th century, Bogotá today is a modern metropolis with moderate year-round climate.
Explore Bogotá, starting at Paloquemao Market, a colorful canvas of fruits and culinary ingredients, food stalls serving local delicacies and displays of native flowers. Proceed to La Candelaria, the oldest part of the city, distinguished by its many colonial-era buildings. Visit the nearby main square of Bogotá and the Plaza de Bolivar, surrounded by some of the country’s most important and iconic buildings, including the National Capitol, the Palace of Justice and the neoclassical Cathedral Basilica of Bogotá and Primada de Colombia. Continue to the Botero Museum, housed in a restored colonial mansion. Peruse its impressive collection, featuring numerous works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero as well as pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Monet and others. Next, discover the celebrated Gold Museum, the world's largest collection (over 34,000 dazzling pieces) of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts, which you observe up close alongside your guide. After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, journey to Monserrate, located in the hills to the east of the city. Ascend this 10,000-foot peak by funicular railway or cable car to take in inspiring vistas of the city.
Spend the day delving into Colombia’s journey toward peace and prosperity on a tour reflecting the contributions of a cross-section of the nation, from local academics and artists to changemakers and chefs. Walk with your guide along Avenida Jimenez toward Plaza de Bolivar, learning the history of the 2016 Peace Agreement that ended more than 50 years of conflict. Sample street foods from various vendors en route to view Fragmentos, a space created by the renowned Colombian artist Doris Salcedo that speaks to the transition toward peace; among its features is a floor made from melted weapons. Stop to taste exotic-flavored ice cream and a selection of exquisite chocolates before continuing to Casa de la Paz, where you sample craft beer made by former FARC combatants and learn how entrepreneurships have arisen from the peace process. Finish with lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant that makes contributions to peacebuilding communities through its unique and delicious food.
Fly to Armenia, in Colombia’s renowned coffee region, where you pause for lunch before continuing to a coffee plantation for an immersive visit. Discover the heritage of Colombia´s coffee culture as you enjoy a guided walk through the fields and facilities, learning about the entire coffee production process and taking part in a tasting that challenges you to differentiate between coffee qualities. Finish with a wonderful cup of coffee as you look out over a breathtaking landscape.
Visit one of the most emblematic sites of the coffee region, the majestic Cocora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk guided by an expert who explains the site’s importance as a haven for the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree. Following a stop for lunch, explore the municipality of Salento, walking its colorful streets, visiting the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint and perusing local handicrafts. Continue to Filandia, a fine example of the architectural conservation underway across the region. Cap off your visit with a stroll through the town and a drink in its picturesque square.
Fly to Cartagena, perhaps the most exuberant, tropical and picturesque destination in all of Colombia. Immediately feel the magic of this vibrant port city, which overlooks the Caribbean from fortress walls built to fend off everything from marauding buccaneers to British warships, on a sunset sailing experience aboard a private vessel. Sail out into the harbor, taking in the breathtaking views of the city from a unique perspective and watch as the sun slips below the horizon after casting a warm glow over the historic skyline. Your hotel is a former 17th-century private mansion still featuring its original high ceilings and Moorish-influenced design.
Discover the best of Cartagena, starting at the imposing Castle San Felipe Barajas. Walk around the fortress to learn about its construction and explore the underground galleries, tunnels and passageways. Continue to Cartagena's colonial walled city and walk its picturesque streets and plazas. Visit the church of San Pedro Claver, with its fine collection of stained-glass windows, as well as Bolivar Park, an urban oasis surrounded by elegant balconied buildings, majestic shade trees and four fountains offering peaceful background ambience. In the center of the square is an equestrian statue of Simon Bolívar, the Venezuelan-born soldier and statesman who spearheaded Latin America’s liberation from Spanish rule. Later this afternoon, sample dishes served from small stalls in every corner of the old city, the heritage of the Spanish, African, Arab and Chinese immigrants who shaped Cartagena’s culinary culture. Savor the melting pot of influences found in each bite and taste the original versions of the recipes that have inspired today’s Colombian cuisine. This evening, get ready to move your hips and learn the art of salsa, merengue, reggaeton and bachata in a renowned local dance academy located within the walls of Cartagena's old city. Toast your night and the conclusion of your South American adventure with a tasting of some of the region’s best aged rums.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
The Andean city of Santa Fe de Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, is where most visitors begin their experience in the country.
Founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistadors, Bogota lies at the Western base of a mountain range that includes the shrine-topped peaks of Monserrate and Guadalupe.
The city is set at 8,500 ft/2,600 m—if you fly in from a much lower elevation, take it easy for a day or two to adjust to the altitude. Allow three days to see Bogota's sights.
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings us to the Amano Textile Museum, renowned globally for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Columbian Peruvian civilizations, as well as the significant efforts of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano in safeguarding the world's global textile heritage. The museum's inception followed Mr. Amano's decision to settle in Peru, leveraging his success as a Japanese entrepreneur.
During his journeys across Peru, Mr. Amano encountered relics abandoned by grave robbers. Recognizing their cultural importance, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to recovering and preserving these artifacts scattered throughout Peru's coastal deserts. These treasures were then exhibited in his residence in Miraflores.
The Amano family remains deeply committed to advancing conservation and research initiatives centered on Peru's textile legacy, in accordance with the vision of the museum's founder, while also paying homage to his memory.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances/stairs)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:30 and/or 14:30
Note: Filming and photography are not permitted in the Amano Textile Museum, we suggest leaving your cameras in the bus.
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, to showcase ancient Peruvian history through its extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years. Housed in an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is renowned for its erotic pottery, accessible archives, and beautiful gardens. Andres Alvarez Calderon, actual owner of the collection, emphasizes the importance of museums in preserving humanity's heritage and engaging the public through immersive experiences.
Since it was established in 1926, the Museo Larco has been acknowledged as a pioneer in terms of public access to its collections. It was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms to the public, and to provide online access to its entire collection, encouraging in this way the multidisciplinary research first promoted by its founder.
Larco Museum in focused on storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with Peru's ancient civilizations and their profound relationship with nature and the cosmos.
After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
Museo Larco´s collections
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Flash photography is not permitted in the Museum.
Includes:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.